Polyspectral Rangefinder Using Color-Coded Beam Intersection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems, such as radar and optical rangefinders, face challenges in rapidly detecting and localizing close-in incoming missiles or projectiles due to insufficient resolution, long scan times, and computational lag, making it difficult to respond effectively within the required fraction of a second.
Innovation Solution
A polyspectral rangefinder system that projects narrow, differently colored fan beams from multiple positions, creating color-coded cells by intersecting beams, allowing for instantaneous detection of incoming threats by identifying unique color combinations without computational intensive algorithms, enabling rapid countermeasures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radar is used to detect incoming missiles, then detection range is improved, but resolution and response time deteriorate due to insufficient resolution to pinpoint the missile and long scan times from rotating antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The surveillance area is divided into multiple discrete range gates at different distances from the sensor. Each range gate is independently illuminated by laser beams, allowing simultaneous detection of targets at multiple ranges without mechanical scanning. This segmentation enables the system to achieve high temporal resolution while maintaining precise spatial localization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating antenna system with an optical laser-based illumination system. Instead of mechanically sweeping a radar beam through space, the system uses stationary laser sources to illuminate specific range gates optically, eliminating mechanical scan times and achieving instantaneous range measurement with high precision.
2Loss of time
If optical rangefinders are used for close-in target detection, then response time is improved, but adaptability to fast-moving targets deteriorates due to limitations with stationary or slow-moving targets only
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the illumination pattern by selectively activating different combinations of laser beams and range gates based on detected target motion. The illumination scheme adapts to target velocity and direction, allowing the system to maintain optimal detection performance for both stationary and fast-moving targets within the same framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the detection capability from simple range measurement to three-dimensional spatial localization by combining range gate information with angular detection. This dimensional expansion allows the system to track fast-moving targets in multiple dimensions simultaneously, greatly enhancing adaptability to various target motion patterns.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple laser sources are used to illuminate multiple range gates, then detection coverage is improved, but system complexity increases due to need for precise synchronization and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple laser sources and range gates into a unified detection framework where all components operate under common control. By combining the illumination functions and detection channels into an integrated system, the complexity of coordinating multiple independent subsystems is reduced while maintaining comprehensive surveillance coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs universal control mechanisms that manage multiple laser sources and range gates through a single coordination architecture. The control system performs multiple functions including beam selection, timing synchronization, and data integration, reducing the need for separate coordination systems for each component and simplifying overall system management.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system allows for virtually instantaneous detection and localization of incoming missiles, minimizing response time and enabling effective countermeasures, such as directing a shotgun-type countermeasuring device, by using a lookup table to determine the threat's location and direction without complex calculations.
Implementation Method 1
a polyspectral series of narrow fan beams of different colors is projected outwardly from at least two spaced-apart positions
Implementation Method 2
Light reflected back to the protected space from a threat has a color code corresponding to the colors associated with beams that cross at the threat
Data Source
AI summary
A computationless system is provided for determining the direction of and distance to a target, involving bathing an area surrounding an area to be protected with a polyspectral series of narrow fan beams of different colors from at least two spaced-apart projectors. The differently colored beams go out at different angles, thus to color-code map the area surrounding the protected space where beams of different colors cross to form color-coded cells. Light reflected back to the area to be protected from a threat has a color code corresponding to the colors associated with beams that cross at the threat, thus to identify by the reflected colors where in space the threat is located.